Image forming apparatus

ABSTRACT

An image forming apparatus 100 allowing insertion of an insert-sheet between discharged sheets of recording paper includes: an image forming unit 122 forming an image on the recording paper; an operation unit 130 designating an insertion position for inserting the insert-sheet; a discharge unit discharging the sheets of recording paper having images formed and the insert-sheet; and a control unit 102 controlling timing for inserting the insert-sheet. The insertion position is designated by a copy-by-copy basis with one copy being a set of sheets of recording paper having all images included in a job instructing image formation on the recording paper formed thereon. The control unit 102 controls the discharge unit such that the sheets of recording paper having the image formed thereon are discharged by the number determined from the insertion position and thereafter the insert-sheet is discharged. Thus, the insert-sheet can be inserted at an arbitrary position designated on the copy-by-copy basis, and the user can easily handle the output sheets of recording paper.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of copending application Ser. No.14/390,191, filed on Oct. 2, 2014, which is the National Phase under 35U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/JP2013/062906, filedon May 8, 2013, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) toPatent Application No. 2012-111349, filed in Japan on May 15, 2012, allof which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the presentapplication.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable ofinserting an insert-sheet indicating separation, at any positiondesignated on a copy-by-copy basis, among a plurality of sheets of paperdischarged after image formation.

BACKGROUND ART

As one type of image processing apparatuses as electronic equipment, animage forming apparatus (typically a copy machine) for forming an imageon a sheet of recording paper has been introduced to many places ofbusiness (companies and offices). In such a place of business, it is acommon practice to have an image forming apparatus having a copyfunction or a printer function connected to a network and to share theapparatus by a plurality of users. An MFP (MultiFunction Peripheral) asone type of such image forming apparatuses has a plurality of basicoperational modes including a copy mode, a facsimile mode (hereinafterfacsimile will be also denoted as FAX), a network compatible printermode and a scanner mode.

In addition to the functions for image formation (copy and print), animage forming apparatus has functions allowing users to more easilyhandle prints. As one such function, a function of insertinginsert-sheets to indicate separation among the printed sheets has beenknown. By way of example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2001-75431discloses an image forming apparatus intended for schools, allowing easyhandling after paper discharge. According to the description of thisreference, in the image forming apparatus, when the insert-sheet mode isselected, a prescribed sheet of paper is inserted between each copy,that is, every time a set of prints is discharged.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

As described above, conventionally, setting to insert an insert-sheetbetween each set of copies or to a designated page has been possible. Ithas been impossible, however, to insert sheets to separate designatedcopies from other copies. If different number of copies is to bedistributed to different departments, for example, it is necessary for auser to count each necessary number of copies for each department fromdischarged sets of copies having insert-sheets inserted therebetween.This is a troublesome task. Further, there may be a case whereinsert-sheets are inserted to unnecessary positions, wasting paper.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an imageforming apparatus capable of inserting an insert-sheet indicatingseparation at any position designated on a copy-by-copy basis, among aplurality of sheets of paper discharged after image formation.

Means for Solving the Problems

The above-described object can be attained by the following.

Specifically, the present invention provides an image forming apparatusallowing insertion of an insert-sheet indicating separation between aplurality of sheets of recording paper each having an image formed onits surface and then discharged. The image forming apparatus includes:an image forming unit forming an image on the recording paper; an inputunit designating an insertion position to insert the insert-sheet; adischarge unit discharging the recording paper having the image formedthereon and the insert-sheet; and a control unit controlling thedischarge unit. The insertion position is designated on a copy-by-copybasis with one copy being a set of sheets of recording paper on whichall images included in a job instructing image formation on therecording paper are formed. The control unit causes the discharge unitto discharge the sheets of recording paper having the images formedthereon by the number of copies determined from the insertion position,and thereafter to discharge the insert-sheet.

Preferably, the input unit includes: a display unit displaying pieces ofinformation each indicating each of the number of the sets on whichimage formation is instructed, in a manner distinguishable from eachother and in the order of discharge of the sets; and an insertiondesignating unit designating the insertion position by designatingwhether or not the insert-sheet is to be inserted between the pieces ofinformation indicating consecutively discharged two sets.

More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes aninsert-sheet designating unit designating a paper feed tray from whichthe insert-sheet is fed. The control unit causes the discharge unit topick up and discharge the insert-sheet from the paper feed traydesignated by the insert-sheet designating unit.

More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a sizedesignating unit designating a size of the insert-sheet. The controlunit includes a determining unit determining whether an insert-sheet ofthe size designated by the size designating unit can be discharged to adischarge destination to which the recording paper having the imageformed thereon is discharged; and in response to a determination by thedetermining unit that the insert-sheet cannot be discharged to thedischarge destination to which the recording paper having the imageformed thereon is discharged, the control unit controls the dischargeunit such that a sheet of recording paper is picked up from a traycontaining the recording paper on which the image is to be formed andthis sheet is discharged in place of the insert-sheet.

Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a characterinput unit allowing input of a character. The image forming unit formsan image of the character input by the character input unit, on theinsert-sheet before it is discharged.

More preferably, the image forming unit forms, on an insert-sheet to bedischarged first, an image indicating a value larger by 1 than thenumber of sets discharged before discharge of the insert-sheet to bedischarged first, and forms, on each of the insert-sheets to bedischarged second and thereafter, an image indicating a value larger by1 than the number of sets discharged after the immediately precedingdischarged insert-sheet until immediately before each of theinsert-sheets to be discharged second and thereafter.

More preferably, the input unit includes a designating unit designatingany of positions before and after all sheets of recording paper havingimages of the job formed thereon and discharged, and before and afterevery prescribed number of copies of sheets of recording paper havingimages of the job formed thereon and discharged, as the insertionposition.

Effects of the Invention

By the present invention, when a plurality of sets of prints are to beprovided, insert-sheets can be inserted at any number of copies asdesignated by the user. Since the insert-sheets can be inserted atpositions designated on the copy-by-copy basis, the user can easilyseparate many sets of prints. Further, since insert-sheets are notinserted to unnecessary positions, waste of paper can be prevented.

Further, since the number of copies or designated characters are printedon each insert-sheet, the user has only to separate the prints beforeand after the insert-sheet without the necessity of counting the numberof copies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image formingapparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing insert-sheets inserted to copies.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an operation unit of the image formingapparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the imageforming apparatus in accordance with the embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart representing a control structure of a programrealizing the function of inserting an insert-sheet executed in theimage forming apparatus in accordance with the embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 shows a basic screen image of the copy mode displayed on theoperation unit.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart representing a control structure of a program forsetting conditions of the insert-sheet.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a screen image allowing setting of conditionsof the insert-sheet.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart representing a control structure of a program forsetting the position for inserting the insert-sheet.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a screen image for setting the position forinserting the insert-sheet.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing insert-sheets inserted to copies.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart representing a control structure of a program forsetting a paper feed tray containing insert-sheets.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen image for setting the paper feedtray.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart representing a control structure of a program forsetting the size of the insert-sheet.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a screen image for setting the size of theinsert-sheet.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a screen image allowing direct input of thesize of the insert-sheet.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart representing a control structure of a program forsetting the type of the insert-sheet.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a screen image for setting the type of theinsert-sheet.

FIG. 19 shows an example of a screen image in which the size and type ofthe insert-sheet are set.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart representing a control structure of a program forsetting conditions related to characters to be printed on insert-sheets.

FIG. 21 shows an example of a screen image for setting characters to beprinted on insert sheets.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing insert-sheets inserted to copies.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing insert-sheets offset and insertedto copies.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing insert-sheets and followingrecorded sheets offset in a staggered manner.

FIG. 25 shows an example of a screen image for simultaneously setting aplurality of conditions of the insert-sheet.

FIG. 26 shows another example of a screen image for setting conditionsrelated to the insert-sheet.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing insert-sheets inserted before andafter the whole sets of prints.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing insert-sheets inserted beforeevery two sets of prints.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing insert-sheets inserted after everytwo sets of prints.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing insert-sheets inserted inaccordance with the settings shown in FIG. 26.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following embodiments, the same components are denoted by thesame reference characters. Their names and functions are also the same.Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

The image forming apparatus in accordance with the embodiment of thepresent invention is a digital multifunctional peripheral having aplurality of functions including copy, print, scanner and facsimilefunctions. Referring to FIG. 1, image forming apparatus 100 includes: aCPU (Central Processing Unit) 102 for overall control of image formingapparatus 100; an ROM (Read Only Memory) 104 for storing programs andthe like; an RAM (Random Access Memory) 106, which is volatile storage;and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 108, which is non-volatile storage thatretains data even when power is turned off. ROM 104 stores programs anddata necessary for controlling operations of image forming apparatus100.

Image forming apparatus 100 further includes an NIC (Network InterfaceCard) 110, a document reading unit 120, an image forming unit 122, animage processing unit 124, an insert-sheet data generating unit 126, arecording paper conveying unit 128, an operation unit 130 and a bus 112.

CPU 102, ROM 104, RAM 106, HDD 108, NIC 110, document reading unit 120,image forming unit 122, image processing unit 124, insert-sheet datagenerating unit 126, recording paper conveying unit 128 and operationunit 130 are connected to bus 112. Data (including control information)are exchanged among these components and units through bus 112. CPU 102reads a program from ROM 104 through bus 112 to RAM 106 and executes theprogram using a part of RAM 106 as a work area. Specifically, CPU 102controls various components and units forming image forming apparatus100 and realizes each of the functions of image forming apparatus 100 inaccordance with a program or programs stored in ROM 104.

In addition to these components, image forming apparatus 100 includes apaper feeding unit containing sheets of paper on which images are to beformed, a paper discharge unit (discharge tray) for discharging sheetsof recording paper on which images have been formed, a FAX modem (notshown) connected to a telephone line to enable FAX communication, and apower source unit (not shown) for feeding electric power to variouscomponents.

Document reading unit 120 reads a document by means of a CCD (ChargeCoupled Device) and generates image data (digital signals). Image datais temporarily stored in RAM 106. Image processing unit 124 performsvarious image processing operations on the read image data. The imagedata is stored in HDD 108 as needed.

Insert-sheet data generating unit 126 generates, on RAM 106, image data(such as text image data) to be formed on the insert-sheet. Thegenerated image data is stored in HDD 108 as needed. The “insert-sheet”refers to a sheet to be inserted between discharged sheets of recordingpaper to enable easy recognition where the printed and discharged sheetsof recording paper are separated.

Image forming unit 122 forms an image on a sheet of recording paper oron an insert-sheet conveyed by recording paper conveying unit 128, basedon the image data (including the image data to be formed on theinsert-sheet) on RAM 106. FIG. 2 shows six copies of sheets of recordingpaper on which images have been formed, with two insert-sheets 160 and162, indicated by hatchings, inserted therebetween. On insert-sheet 160,a character image “1” is formed, indicating the first set. Oninsert-sheet 162, a character image “4” is formed, indicating the fourthset.

Referring to FIG. 3, operation unit 130 includes a touch-panel display132 and an operation key unit 134. Touch-panel display 132 includes adisplay panel implemented by a liquid crystal panel or the like, and atouch-panel arranged on the display panel and detecting a touchedposition. In FIG. 3, on touch-panel display 132 (display panel) ofoperation unit 130, a home screen image of image forming apparatus 100is displayed. On the home screen image, keys for giving instruction ofcopying, printing and the like are displayed.

On operation key unit 134, as hardware keys, a home key 136, a power key138 for turning on/off the power of image forming apparatus 100, a powersave key 140 causing image forming apparatus 100 to enter a power savingstate or to resume a normal state from the power saving state, and anLED lamp 142 lit when the power is on, are arranged. Images displayed ontouch-panel display 132 change variously (make image transitions) inaccordance with the states of image forming apparatus 100. Home key 136is to return the screen image displayed on touch-panel display 132 tothe home screen image. Specifically, when home key 136 is pressed, thehome screen image is displayed on touch-panel display 132.

Operation unit 130 receives inputs such as an instruction by the user toimage forming apparatus 100. The user confirms the state and jobprocessing status of image forming apparatus 100, by the screen imagesdisplayed on touch-panel display 132. The user can set functions andinstruct operations of image forming apparatus 100 by selecting keysdisplayed on touch-panel display 132 on the touch-panel superposed onthe display panel (by touching the corresponding portions on thetouch-panel).

NIC 110 is an interface connected to an external network 190 enablingimage forming apparatus 100 to communicate with an external apparatusthrough network 190. Image forming apparatus 100 includes a FAX modem(not shown) as an interface connected to an external telephone line (notshown) enabling FAX communication of image forming apparatus 100 with anexternal apparatus through the telephone line.

Referring to FIG. 4, conveyance of recording paper and image formationon the recording paper in image forming apparatus 100 will be describedin greater detail. Here, image formation on a sheet of recording paperwill be described. The image formation on an insert-sheet is done in thesimilar manner.

Document reading unit 120 includes an image reading device 90 and anautomatic document feeder (ADF) 150.

Image reading device 90 includes a platen 92 formed of a transparentglass for placing a document, and it is a reduction optical systemformed of a light source unit 93 holding a light source and a firstmirror, a mirror unit 94 holding second and third mirrors, and a lensand CCD 95.

On platen 92, automatic document feeder 150 is mounted. Automaticdocument feeder 150 automatically feeds documents to platen 92.Automatic document feeder 150 is configured to rotate in the directionof an arrow M and when opened, platen 92 is accessible and a documentcan be manually placed on platen 92.

Image forming unit 122 is configured to include an optical scanningdevice 1, a developer 2, a photoreceptor drum 3, a cleaner unit 4, acharger 5, an intermediate transfer belt unit 6, a fixing unit 116,paper feed trays 81 to 85, and paper discharge trays 91 and 96. Paperfeed tray 85 is a manual feed tray.

The image data handled in the present image forming apparatus 100 arecolor image data using colors of black (hereinafter also denoted as“K”), cyan (hereinafter also denoted as “C”), magenta (hereinafter alsodenoted as “M”) and yellow (hereinafter also denoted as “Y”), that is,image data separated to components of these four colors. Therefore, inorder to form four different latent images of respective colors, fourdevelopers 2, four photoreceptor drums 3, four chargers 5 and fourcleaner units 4 are provided. These components form four image stationsfor processing black, cyan, magenta and yellow, respectively.

Charger 5 is a device for uniformly charging the surface ofphotoreceptor drum 3 to a prescribed potential. Optical scanning device1 is a laser scanning unit (LSU) including a laser emitting unit and areflection mirror. In optical scanning device 1, a polygon mirror forlaser beam scanning and an optical element including a lens and a mirrorfor guiding the laser beam reflected by the polygon mirror tophotoreceptor drum 3 are arranged.

Optical scanning device 1 exposes the charged photoreceptor drum 3 inaccordance with the input image data, and thereby forms an electrostaticlatent image in accordance with the image data on the surface. Developer2 turns the electrostatic latent images formed on respectivephotoreceptor drums 3 to visible images with toners of four colors(YMCK), respectively. Cleaner unit 4 removes and recovers the toner lefton the surface of each photoreceptor drum 3, after development and imagetransfer.

Intermediate transfer belt unit 6 arranged above photoreceptor drum 3includes an intermediate transfer belt 61, an intermediate transfer beltdriving roller 62, an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, anintermediate transfer roller 64 and an intermediate transfer beltcleaning unit 65. There are four intermediate transfer rollers 64,corresponding to respective colors of Y, M, C and K.

Around intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, intermediatetransfer belt driven roller 63, and intermediate transfer roller 64,intermediate transfer belt 61 is wound and driven to rotate. Eachintermediate transfer roller 64 supplies transfer bias, which will bedescribed later, for transferring the toner image on the correspondingphotoreceptor drum 3 to intermediate transfer belt 61.

Intermediate transfer belt 61 is provided to be in contact with eachphotoreceptor drum 3. By successively transferring the toner images ofrespective colors formed on photoreceptor drums 3 onto intermediatetransfer belt 61 to be superposed on the last, a color toner image(multi-color toner image) is formed on intermediate transfer belt 61.

Transfer of the toner image from photoreceptor drum 3 to intermediatetransfer belt 61 is done by intermediate transfer roller 64 that is incontact with the back side of intermediate transfer belt 61. A highvoltage transfer bias (high voltage of a polarity (+) opposite to thecharged polarity (−) of the toner) is applied to intermediate transferroller 64, in order to transfer the toner image. Intermediate transferroller 64 has a metal shaft (for example, of stainless steel) of 8 to 10mm in diameter as a base, with its surface covered by a conductiveelastic member (such as EPDM or urethane foam). Because of thisconductive elastic member, uniform high voltage can be applied tointermediate transfer belt 61.

The electrostatic images turned to visual images in accordance with thehue on respective photoreceptor drums 3 as described above aresuperposed on intermediate transfer belt 61. Information of the thussuperposed images (density distribution of toner) is transferred to asheet of recording paper, as intermediate transfer belt 61 is rotated,by a transfer roller 10 arranged at the position of contact between theintermediate transfer belt 61 and the sheet of recording paper.

At this time, intermediate transfer belt 61 and transfer roller 10 arebrought into pressure-contact with a prescribed nip, and a voltage (highvoltage of a polarity (+) opposite to the charged polarity (−) of thetoner) for transferring the toner to the sheet of recording paper isapplied to transfer roller 10. Further, in order to constantly securethe nip mentioned above, a hard material (metal or the like) is used forone of the transfer roller 10 and intermediate transfer belt drivingroller 62, and a soft material such as soft roller (elastic rubberroller, foam resin roller or the like) is used for the other one.

As described above, the toner adhering to intermediate transfer belt 61by the contact with photoreceptor drum 3, or toner not transferred tothe sheet of recording paper by transfer roller 10 but left onintermediate transfer belt 61 may cause undesirable mixture of tonercolors in subsequent process steps. Therefore, the adhered toner and theleft toner are removed and recovered by intermediate transfer beltcleaning unit 65. In intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65, acleaning blade that is brought into contact with intermediate transferbelt 61 is provided as a cleaning member. Intermediate transfer belt 61is supported by intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63 at a portionwhere the cleaning blade contacts.

Paper feed trays 81 to 84 are trays for storing sheets of recordingpaper used for image formation, provided below optical scanning device1. Sheets of recording paper for image formation can also be placed onmanual paper feed tray 85. Paper discharge trays 91 and 95 are forcollecting the printed sheets of paper in a face-down manner, that is,with the printed surface facing downward.

For feeding sheets of recording paper in paper feed trays 81 to 84 andmanual paper feed tray 85 to paper discharge tray 91 or 96 throughtransfer roller 10 and fixing unit 116, recording paper conveying pathsS1 and S2 are formed in image forming unit 122. In the vicinity ofrecording paper conveying paths S1 and S2 from paper feed trays 81 to 84or manual paper feed tray 85 to discharge tray 91 or 96, pick-up rollers11 a to 11 e, conveyer roller pairs 12 a to 12 e, registration rollerpair 13, a transfer roller 10, fixing unit 116 and the like arearranged.

Paper feed trays 81 to 84, manual paper feed tray 85, pick-up rollers 11a to 11 e, conveyer roller pairs 12 a to 12 e and registration rollerpair 13 form the recording paper conveying unit 128 shown in FIG. 1.

A plurality of conveyer roller pairs 12 a to 12 e are small rollers forpromoting and assisting feeding of the recording paper, and are providedalong paper feeding paths S1 and S2. Pick-up rollers 11 a to 11 d arearranged near one end of paper feed trays 81 to 84, respectively, pickup sheets of recording paper one by one from paper feed trays 81 to 84,respectively, and supply the sheets to paper feeding path S1. Similarly,pick-up roller 11 e is arranged near one end of manual paper feed tray85, picks up sheets of recording paper one by one from manual paper feedtray 85 and supplies the sheets to paper feeding path S1.

Registration roller pair 13 temporarily holds the sheet of recordingpaper fed along paper feeding path S1, and feeds the sheet of recordingpaper to transfer roller 10 at such timing when the leading edge oftoner image on photoreceptor drum 3 is aligned with the leading edge ofthe sheet of recording paper.

Fixing unit 116 includes a heat roller 71 and a pressure roller 72. Heatroller 71 and pressure roller 72 rotate, with the sheet of recordingpaper pinched therebetween. Heat roller 71 is set to a prescribed fixingtemperature by CPU 102, based on a signal from a temperature detector(not shown). Heat roller 71 presses with heat, together with pressureroller 72, the toner to the sheet of recording paper, and thus, it has afunction of melting, mixing and causing pressure-contact of multi-colortoner image that has been transferred to the sheet of recording paperand thereby heat-fixing the image on the sheet of recording paper.Further, an external heating belt 73 for heating heat roller 71 fromoutside is provided.

In the following, each of the modes for executing the functionsavailable on image forming apparatus 100 (copy function, printerfunction, scanner function and facsimile function) will be brieflydescribed.

(Copy Mode)

When image forming apparatus 100 is used as a copy machine, image dataof the document read by document reading unit 120 is output as a copyfrom image forming unit 122.

Image data read by the CCD 95 provided at document reading unit 120 iscompleted as output data (print data) on RAM 106, and stored in HDD 108.If there is a plurality of documents, the reading and storage operationsare repeated. Thereafter, based on the process mode instructed fromoperation unit 130, the image data stored in HDD 108 is successivelyread at appropriate timing and transmitted to RAM 106.

At paper feed unit, a sheet of recording paper is drawn by a pick-uproller and conveyed by a plurality of conveyer roller pairs 12 a to 12 eto image forming unit 122. At image forming unit 122, a chargedphotoreceptor drum 3 is exposed in accordance with the input image data,whereby an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data isformed on a surface of photoreceptor drum 3. Toner is applied to theelectrostatic latent image portions on the photoreceptor drum 3 and,thereafter, the toner image is transferred by intermediate transfer belt61 to a sheet of recording paper. Thereafter, the sheet of recordingpaper is heated and pressed (whereby the image is fixed on the sheet ofpaper), and then the sheet is discharged to the paper discharge tray.

When a plurality of copies of read image data is to be printed, theimage data is similarly stored as output data page by page in HDD 108,fed from HDD 108 to RAM 106, and the data is transferred repeatedly bythe number of copies to be output, to the image forming unit 122 timedwith image formation.

(Printer Mode)

When image forming apparatus 100 is used as a printer, image datareceived through NIC 110 is output from image forming unit 122 throughRAM 106 or the like. By way of example, when a print is instructed froma terminal to image forming apparatus 100, NIC 110 receives image datafrom the terminal connected to network 190. The received image data istransferred as output image data page by page to RAM 106, and stored inHDD 108. Thereafter, the image data stored in HDD 108 is successivelyread and fed to RAM 106 at appropriate timing. Then, in the similarmanner as in the copy mode described above, the image data istransferred to image forming unit 122 where image formation takes place.

(Scanner Mode)

When image forming apparatus 100 is used, for example, as a networkscanner, image data of the document read at document reading unit 120 istransmitted from NIC 110 through network 190 to a computer or the like.Here again, the document is electronically read by CCD 95 provided atdocument reading unit 120. The read image data of the document iscompleted as output data on RAM 106, and stored in HDD 108. Then, theimage data is again transmitted from HDD 108 to RAM 106 and, aftercommunication with a destination designated through operation unit 130is established, the image data is transmitted to the designatedtransmission destination through NIC 110.

(Facsimile Mode)

Image forming apparatus 100 can transmit/receive FAX to and from anexternal facsimile device through the FAX modem and telephone line. Whenimage forming apparatus 100 is used as a facsimile machine, datareceived by FAX from a facsimile machine is formed as image data on RAM106, and in the similar manner as described above, the data is stored inHDD 108 and printed by image forming unit 122. Further, image formingapparatus 100 can read image data from HDD 108, convert the data to adata format for FAX communication and transmit the converted data to anexternal facsimile machine through the FAX modem and telephone line.

In the following, the function of inserting insert-sheets in imageforming apparatus 100 will be specifically described. Here, it isassumed that COPY key 144 is touched by the user, on the home screenimage (see FIG. 3) displayed on touch-panel display 132.

Referring to FIG. 5, at step 700 of a control structure of a program forrealizing the function of inserting an insert-sheet executed by imageforming apparatus 100, CPU 102 displays a basic screen image for thecopy mode on touch-panel display 132. Specifically, CPU 102 readsprescribed graphic data from ROM 104 or HDD 108 and based thereon,generates image data of, for example, a screen image 200 shown in FIG. 6on RAM 106. The generated image data is transferred to and displayed ontouch-panel display 132.

Referring to FIG. 6, on a system area 210 of screen image 200,characters “COPY” are displayed on the left corner to indicate the copymode, and on the right corner, a key to display the job execution statusis displayed. On a function setting area 220, keys for settings relatedto the copy function (keys for setting color mode, copy density, copymagnification and the like) are displayed. Some keys have indications ofset contents. “OTHER FUNCTION” key 222 is a key for displaying keysallowing settings other than those set by the displayed keys. An area252 including ten-keys is for setting number of copies for imageformation. When keys “0” to “9” are touched, consecutively inputnumerals are displayed as the number of copies. When “C” key is touched,the input number of copies is cancelled (the number of copies isreturned to “0”). In the example of FIG. 6, “6” is set as the number ofcopies. Below ten-key area 252, a schematic illustration of imageforming apparatus 100 is displayed, and numbers “1” to “5” are allocatedto distinguish paper feed trays. On an action panel area 240,information including help, advice and proposal related to the operationis displayed. By way of example, when a user selects a specificfunction, a function or functions related to the selected function aredisplayed. On a task trigger area 230, trigger keys operated by the userfor actually operating image forming apparatus 100 after the setting iscomplete are displayed. In the present embodiment, on task trigger area230, a MONO START key 232 for starting monochrome copying of a document,a COLOR START key 234 for starting color copying, a SCAN-IN key 236 forstarting a process of once scanning a document and saving it as an imagein image forming apparatus 100, and a clear all (CA) key 238 forclearing all settings are displayed.

At step 702, CPU 102 determines whether any of the keys is operated onthe displayed basic screen image 200 of FIG. 6. If it is determined thatany key is operated, the control proceeds to step 704. Otherwise, step702 is repeated.

At step 704, CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to beoperated at step 702 is OTHER FUNCTION key 222. If it is determined tobe OTHER FUNCTION key 222, the control proceeds to step 704. Otherwise,the control proceeds to step 716.

At step 716, CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to beoperated at step 702 is the start key (MONO START key 232 or COLOR STARTkey 234). If it is determined to be the start key, the control proceedsto step 720, and the copy process is executed, as will be describedlater. Otherwise, the control proceeds to step 718, and at step 718, CPU102 executes the process corresponding to the operated key. If the userhas touched the color mode key, copy density key or the like in functionsetting area 220, step 718 is executed to enable settings related to thecopy function.

At step 706, CPU 102 displays items that can be set, on touch-paneldisplay 132. The displayed items also serve as keys for displaying thescreen images allowing setting of the corresponding items. The displayeditems include an item for setting conditions of insert-sheets(hereinafter also referred to as “insert-sheet setting”).

At step 708, CPU 102 determines, in the state in which items allowingsettings are displayed, if any of the items is operated (any of theitems is touched). If any of the items is determined to be operated(touched), the control proceeds to step 710. Otherwise, step 708 isrepeated

At step 710, CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to beoperated at step 702 is the insert-sheet setting key. If it isdetermined to be the insert-sheet setting key, the control proceeds tostep 712. Otherwise, the control proceeds to step 718.

At step 718, CPU 102 executes a process corresponding to the operatedkey. Thereafter, the control proceeds to step 714.

At step 714, CPU 102 determines whether or not an end instruction hasbeen given, and if not, the control returns to step 700. The instructionto end is, for example, pressing of power key 138. If it is determinedthat an end instruction is received, the present program ends.Otherwise, the control returns to step 700.

At step 712, CPU 102 executes the process for setting conditions of theinsert-sheet. Specifically, step 712 includes the process of steps 750to 776 shown in FIG. 7.

At step 750, CPU 102 displays a screen image allowing settings of theinsert-sheet, on touch-panel display 132. Specifically, in the similarmanner as at step 700, CPU 102 reads prescribed graphic data and basedthereon, generates, for example, image data of screen image 300 shown inFIG. 8. The generated image data is transferred to and displayed ontouch-panel display 132. In FIG. 8, system area 210 is displayed at theuppermost portion, and a plurality of keys 302 to 314 are displayed.

At step 752, CPU 102 determines, in the state in which screen image 300of FIG. 8 is displayed, if any of the keys is operated. If it isdetermined that one of the keys is operated, the control proceeds tostep 754. Otherwise, step 752 is repeated.

At step 754, CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to beoperated at step 752 is an insertion position key 302. If it isdetermined to be insertion position key 302, the control proceeds tostep 756, and a process for setting an insertion position is executed.Thereafter, the control returns to step 750. Otherwise, the controlproceeds to step 758.

At step 758, CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to beoperated at step 752 is a tray key 304. If it is determined to be traykey 304, the control proceeds to step 760, and a process for setting atray is executed. Thereafter, the control returns to step 750.Otherwise, the control proceeds to step 762.

At step 762, CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to beoperated at step 752 is a size key 306. If it is determined to be sizekey 306, the control proceeds to step 764, and a process for setting thesize is executed. Thereafter, the control returns to step 750.Otherwise, the control proceeds to step 766.

At step 766, CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to beoperated at step 752 is a type key 308. If it is determined to be typekey 308, the control proceeds to step 768, and a process for setting thetype is executed. Thereafter, the control returns to step 750.Otherwise, the control proceeds to step 770.

At step 770, CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to beoperated at step 752 is a print character setting key 310. If it isdetermined to be print character setting key 310, the control proceedsto step 772, and a process for setting a print character is executed.Thereafter, the control returns to step 750. Otherwise, the controlproceeds to step 774.

At step 774, CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to beoperated at step 752 is an OK key 312. If it is determined to be OK key312, the control proceeds to step 776. At step 776, CPU 102 finallydecides the set conditions. Thereafter the control proceeds to step 714(see FIG. 5). Otherwise, or if the key determined to be operated at step752 is a CANCEL key 314, CPU 102 cancels the set conditions, and thecontrol proceeds to step 714.

In this manner, the user can set conditions for the insert-sheet bytouching keys 302 to 310 displayed on screen image 300. In thefollowing, setting of each condition will be specifically described.

The process for setting the insertion position of step 756 specificallyincludes steps 800 to 810 shown in FIG. 9. At step 800, CPU 102 displaysa screen image for setting the position for inserting the insert-sheet,on touch-panel display 132. Specifically, as at step 700, CPU 102 readsprescribed graphic data and based thereon, generates image data of, forexample, a screen image 320 shown in FIG. 10. The generated image datais transferred to and displayed on touch-panel display 132.

In FIG. 10, system area 210 is displayed at the uppermost portion, andcharacters indicating respective ones of set copies are displayed in anarea 322. Here, “6” is set as the number of copies as shown in FIG. 6and hence, “1ST COPY” to “6TH COPY” are displayed. On an area 324,characters each indicating whether an insert-sheet is to be inserted ornot and radio buttons are displayed. These characters and radio buttonsare arranged, along the direction of arrangement (vertical direction ofscreen image 320) of characters representing respective sets of copies,between the characters representing the respective sets of copies. Whenselected, the central portion of the radio button is turned black. Inthe initial state when screen image 320 is first displayed, all radiobuttons corresponding to “not insert” are selected.

At step 802, CPU 102 determines, in the state in which screen image 320shown in FIG. 10 is displayed, if any of the keys is operated. If it isdetermined to be operated, the control proceeds to step 804. Otherwise,step 802 is repeated.

At step 804, CPU 102 determines whether or not the operation at step 802is a touch to any of the radio buttons. If it is determined to be atouch to any of the radio buttons, the control proceeds to step 806.Otherwise, the control proceeds to step 808.

At step 806, CPU 102 sets the display of the touched radio button to theselected state and, at the same time, sets the display of the otherradio button on the same row as the touched radio button to thenon-selected state. Thereafter, the control returns to step 802.

At step 808, CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to beoperated at step 802 is OK key 312. If it is determined to be OK key312, the control proceeds to step 810. At step 810, CPU 102 determinesthe set insertion position as tentative decision and stores informationspecifying the tentative decision in a prescribed area of, for example,RAM 106. Thereafter, the control proceeds to step 750 (FIG. 7).Otherwise, or if the key determined to be operated at step 802 is CANCELkey 314, CPU 102 cancels the set conditions and the control proceeds tostep 750.

By the above-described steps 800 to 810, whether or not an insert-sheetis to be inserted between each set of copies is determined. For example,with the radio buttons set in the manner shown in FIG. 10, threeinsert-sheets 330 to 334 are inserted on the first set, third set andfifth set of copies, as shown in FIG. 11.

The tray setting process of step 760 shown in FIG. 7 specificallyincludes the process of steps 820 to 834 and steps 764 and 768 shown inFIG. 12. At step 820, CPU 102 displays a screen image for setting a traycontaining the insert-sheets, on touch-panel display 132. Specifically,as at step 700, CPU 102 reads prescribed graphic data and based thereon,generates image data of, for example, a screen image 340 shown in FIG.13. The generated image data is transferred to and displayed ontouch-panel display 132.

Referring to FIG. 13, at the uppermost portion, system area 210 isdisplayed and a plurality of keys 342 to 354 are displayed. In aschematic illustration of image forming apparatus displayed at thecenter of screen image 340, numerals “1” to “5” are indicatedcorresponding to paper feed trays 81 to 85. The numerals “1” to “5” onkeys 342 to 350 corresponds to the numerals displayed on theillustration of image forming apparatus, or paper feed trays 81 to 85.On keys 342 to 348, information related to the recording paper containedin the corresponding paper feed trays 81 to 84 is displayed. OK key 312and CANCEL key 314 have the same functions as those of FIG. 10.

At step 822, CPU 102 determines whether any of the keys is operatedwhile screen image 340 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. If it isdetermined that any of the keys is operated, the control proceeds tostep 824. Otherwise, step 822 is repeated.

At step 824, CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to beoperated at step 822 is any of the keys 342 to 350 designating paperfeed trays 81 to 85. If it is determined that any of the keys 342 to 350is touched, the control proceeds to step 826. Otherwise, the controlproceeds to step 828.

At step 826, CPU 102 highlights the touched key to indicate that thetouched key is selected. Thereafter, the control returns to step 822.FIG. 13 shows a state in which manual feed tray key 350 is touched andselected.

At step 828, CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to beoperated at step 822 is a key 352 for setting the size of theinsert-sheet. If it is determined to be the key 352 for setting the sizeof the insert-sheet, the control proceeds to step 764, at which theprocess for setting the size, as will be described later, is executed.Thereafter, the control returns to step 822. Otherwise, the controlproceeds to step 830.

At step 830, CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to beoperated at step 822 is a key 354 for setting the type of theinsert-sheet. If it is determined to be the key 354 for setting the typeof the insert-sheet, the control proceeds to step 768, at which theprocess for setting the type, which will be described later, isexecuted. Thereafter, the control returns to step 822. Otherwise, thecontrol proceeds to step 832.

At step 832, CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to beoperated at step 822 is OK key 312. If it is determined to be OK key312, the control proceeds to step 834. At step 834, CPU 102 tentativelydetermines the set paper feed tray as tentative decision and storesinformation specifying the tentative decision in a prescribed area of,for example, RAM 106. Thereafter, the control proceeds to step 750 (FIG.7). Otherwise, or if the key determined to be operated at step 822 isCANCEL key 314, CPU 102 cancels the set conditions and the controlproceeds to step 750.

Through the above-described steps 820 to 832, 764 and 768, the paperfeed tray containing the insert-sheet is set. For example, if the setstate is as shown in FIG. 13, the sheets placed in manual paper feedtray 85 are used as the insert-sheets.

The size setting process of step 764 of FIGS. 7 and 12 specificallycorresponds to the process steps 850 to 864 shown in FIG. 14. At step850, CPU 102 displays a screen image allowing setting of the size of theinsert-sheet. Specifically, in the similar manner as at step 700, CPU102 reads prescribed graphic data and based thereon, generates, forexample, image data of screen image 360 shown in FIG. 15. The generatedimage data is transferred to and displayed on touch-panel display 132.

Referring to FIG. 15, at the uppermost portion, system area 210 isdisplayed, and a plurality of keys 362 to 369 are displayed. On keys 362to 368, pre-defined sizes of recording paper are displayed. OK key 312and CANCEL key 314 have the same functions as those of FIG. 10.

At step 852, CPU 102 determines whether any of the keys is operatedwhile screen image 360 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. If it isdetermined that any of the keys is operated, the control proceeds tostep 854. Otherwise, step 852 is repeated.

At step 854, CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to beoperated at step 852 is any of the keys 362 to 368. If it is determinedthat any of the keys 362 to 368 is touched, the control proceeds to step856. Otherwise, the control proceeds to step 858.

At step 856, CPU 102 highlights the touched key to indicate that thetouched key is selected. Thereafter, the control returns to step 852.FIG. 15 shows a state in which a key 366 designating A4 size is touchedand selected.

At step 858, CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to beoperated at step 852 is a key 369 for directly setting the size. If itis determined to be the key 369, the control proceeds to step 860.Otherwise, the control proceeds to step 862.

At step 860, CPU 102 displays a screen image including ten-keys allowingdirect input of vertical and horizontal dimensions of the insert-sheet,and stores the size input by the ten-key operations by the user in RAM106. For example, a screen image 370 shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. Theuser can directly input the size of the insert-sheet using ten-keys 372.Then, the control returns to step 852.

At step 862, CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to beoperated at step 852 is OK key 312. If it is determined to be OK key312, the control proceeds to step 864. At step 864, CPU 102 tentativelydetermines the set size of recording paper as tentative decision andstores information specifying the tentative decision in a prescribedarea of, for example, RAM 106. Thereafter, the control proceeds to step750 (FIG. 7). Otherwise, or if the key determined to be operated at step852 is CANCEL key 314, CPU 102 cancels the set conditions and thecontrol proceeds to step 750.

Through the above-described steps 850 to 864, the size of theinsert-sheet is set. For example, if the set state is as shown in FIG.15, 210 mm×297 mm (A4 size) is set as the size of the insert-sheet.

The type setting process of step 768 of FIGS. 7 and 12 specificallycorresponds to the process steps 870 to 880 shown in FIG. 17. At step870, CPU 102 displays a screen image allowing setting of the type of theinsert-sheet on touch-panel display 132. Specifically, in the similarmanner as at step 700, CPU 102 reads prescribed graphic data and basedthereon, generates, for example, image data of screen image 380 shown inFIG. 18. The generated image data is transferred to and displayed ontouch-panel display 132.

Referring to FIG. 18, at the uppermost portion, system area 210 isdisplayed, and a plurality of keys 382 to 396 for designating the typeof recording paper are displayed. OK key 312 and CANCEL key 314 have thesame functions as those of FIG. 10.

At step 872, CPU 102 determines whether any of the keys is operatedwhile screen image 380 shown in FIG. 18 is displayed. If it isdetermined that any of the keys is operated, the control proceeds tostep 874. Otherwise, step 872 is repeated.

At step 874, CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to beoperated at step 872 is any of the keys 382 to 396 indicatingpre-defined types of sheets. If it is determined that any of the keys382 to 396 is touched, the control proceeds to step 876. Otherwise, thecontrol proceeds to step 878.

At step 876, CPU 102 highlights the touched key to indicate that thetouched key is selected. Thereafter, the control returns to step 872. InFIG. 18, a tab paper key 386 is selected.

At step 878, CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to beoperated at step 872 is OK key 312. If it is determined to be OK key312, the control proceeds to step 880. At step 880, CPU 102 tentativelydetermines the set type of recording paper as tentative decision andstores information specifying the tentative decision in a prescribedarea of, for example, RAM 106. Thereafter, the control proceeds to step750 (FIG. 7). Otherwise, or if the key determined to be operated at step822 is CANCEL key 314, CPU 102 cancels the set conditions and thecontrol proceeds to step 750.

Through the above-described steps 870 to 880, the type of theinsert-sheet is set. For example, if the set state is as shown in FIG.18, the tab paper is set as the type of the insert-sheet.

The screen image 340 shown in FIG. 19 is displayed when conditionsrelated to the insert-sheet are set as shown in FIGS. 15 and 18 throughstep 760 (tray setting process), step 764 (size setting process) andstep 768 (type setting process), and thereafter step 750 (see FIG. 7) isexecuted. On key 352, it is indicated that the set size of theinsert-sheet is 220 mm×297 mm. On key 354, it is indicated that the settype of the insert-sheet is the tab paper.

The process for setting print character at step 772 of FIG. 7specifically corresponds to process steps 890 to 910 shown in FIG. 20.At step 890, CPU 102 displays a screen image for setting the characteror characters to be printed on the insert-sheet, on touch-panel display132. Specifically, in the similar manner as at step 700, CPU 102 readsprescribed graphic data and based thereon, generates, for example, imagedata of screen image 400 shown in FIG. 21. The generated image data istransferred to and displayed on touch-panel display 132.

Referring to FIG. 21, at the uppermost portion, system area 210 isdisplayed. In a table area 402, character information designatinginsert-sheets is displayed in cells on the left end column (hereinafterreferred to as “insert-sheet designating cells”), and characters to beprinted on the corresponding insert-sheets are displayed in cells(hereinafter referred to as “character display cells”) on the right sideof insert-sheet designating cells. Here, it is set to insert threeinsert-sheets as shown in FIG. 10. Therefore, characters “1ST SHEET” to“3RD SHEET” are displayed in the insert-sheet designating cells. If thenumber of insert-sheets is large, the insert-sheet designating cells andcharacter display cells not appearing on the screen can be displayed byscrolling the display of table area 402, using a scroll bar 404 on theright side of table area 402.

At step 892, CPU 102 determines whether any of the plurality of keys andthe cells is operated while screen image 400 shown in FIG. 21 isdisplayed. If it is determined that any of the keys and cells isoperated (touched), the control proceeds to step 894. Otherwise, step892 is repeated.

At step 894, CPU 102 determines whether any of the insert-sheetdesignating cells and the character display cells is operated. If it isdetermined that any of the insert-sheet designating cells and thecharacter display cells is operated (touched), the control proceeds tostep 896. Otherwise, the control proceeds to step 898.

At step 896, CPU 102 displays the character input screen image. On thecharacter input screen image, character input keys (alphanumeric keysand ten keys) and function keys (including kanji-character conversionkey) similar to those on a keyboard for computers are displayed, andcharacters (and numerals) can be input through touch operations by theuser.

When input of characters is completed (for example, when OK keydisplayed on the character input screen image is touched), at step 898,CPU 102 highlights the cell determined to be touched at step 892 (if acharacter display cell is touched, the insert-sheet designating cell onthe left side of the touched cell) and displays the character orcharacters input at step 896 in the character display cell on the rightside. If any insert-sheet designating cell has been highlighted, thatinsert-sheet designating cell is returned to the normal manner ofdisplay. Thereafter, the control returns to step 892.

At step 900, CPU 102 determines whether or not the one determined to beoperated at step 892 is character position key 406. If characterposition key 406 is determined to be touched, the control proceeds tostep 902. Otherwise, the control proceeds to step 908.

At step 902, CPU 102 determines whether or not any insert-sheet is inthe selected state. Specifically, CPU 102 determines whether anyinsert-sheet designating cell is highlighted or not. If any insert-sheetis determined to be in the selected state, the control proceeds to step904. Otherwise, the control returns to step 892. Specifically, if noneof the insert-sheets is selected, the display on the image screen isunchanged even if character position key 406 is touched. If any of theinsert-sheets is in the selected state, the control proceeds to step 904even if nothing is displayed on the character display cell. The reasonfor this is that when no character is input, a numeral indicating thenumber of set of copies is printed on the insert-sheet and, hence, thestep is executed to allow designation of the position of the numeral.

At step 904, CPU 102 displays a screen image for setting the position ofthe character or characters to be printed on the insert-sheet. Thescreen image for setting the character position is a screen imageallowing input of XY coordinates of a rectangular area in which thecharacter or characters are printed. For example, it is a screen imagesimilar to that shown in FIG. 16, including ten-keys for entering twonumerical values (X and Y coordinates). The input XY coordinatesrepresent, for example, coordinates of the upper left vertex of arectangular area in which the characters are printed, with the upperleft vertex of the insert-sheet being the origin. It is preferred that adefault character position is set in advance. Specifically, if acharacter or characters are displayed in the character displaying cell,it is preferred that the characters are printed at the default positionwhen image formation is executed, even if character position key 406 isuntouched. The default position, for example, may be at the centralposition along the upper and lower sides, spaced by a prescribeddistance from the upper or lower side of the insert-sheet. Thepositional coordinates of the upper left vertex of the rectangular areain which the characters are printed can be determined based on thelength of the input characters.

When input is completed (for example, when OK key displayed on thecharacter position setting screen image is touched), at step 906, CPU102 displays the screen image for setting the print characters when thecharacter position key 406 was last touched. Specifically, the screenimage for setting the print character having any of the insert-sheetdesignating cells highlighted is displayed. Thereafter, the controlreturns to step 892.

At step 908, CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to beoperated at step 892 is OK key 312. If it is determined to be OK key312, the control proceeds to step 910. At step 910, CPU 102 determinesthe set conditions related to print characters as tentative decision andstores information specifying the tentative decision in a prescribedarea of, for example, RAM 106. Thereafter, the control proceeds to step750 (FIG. 7). Otherwise, or if the key determined to be operated at step872 is CANCEL key 314, CPU 102 cancels the set conditions and thecontrol proceeds to step 750.

As described above, through the process steps 890 to 910, the characteror characters to be printed on the insert-sheet and the position ofprinting are set. By way of example, if the characters to be printed areset as shown in FIG. 21 and the position for inserting insert-sheets isset as shown in FIG. 10, insert-sheets having thus set charactersprinted are inserted as shown in FIG. 22.

After the conditions related to the insert-sheet are set as describedabove, when a key (MONO start key 232 or COLOR start key 234)instructing execution of copying is touched in a state in which thebasic screen image 200 of copy mode is displayed, the control proceedsin the order of steps 702, 704, 716 and 720.

At step 720, CPU 102 determines whether the insert-sheet specified bythe tray setting process of step 760 can be discharged to the same trayas that one to which the copied sheets are discharged. If it isdetermined possible to discharge to the same tray, the control proceedsto step 724. Otherwise, the control proceeds to steps 722.

At step 722, CPU 102 changes the designated insert-sheet to recordingpaper that can be discharged to the tray to which the copied sheets areto be discharged. If the image forming apparatus has a plurality ofpaper discharge trays, the size of recording paper that can bedischarged to each discharge tray may be limited by physicalrestrictions such as dimensions and mechanisms of the image formingapparatus. By way of example, if a document is to be copied to recordingpaper of A4 size, and if an insert-sheet of A3 size is designated andthe A3 size sheet cannot be discharged to the tray which is to receivethe copied sheets, CPU 102 sets the tray containing the recording paperof the same size (A4 size) as the recording paper on which images are tobe formed in the copy process as the tray containing the insert-sheets.

At step 724, CPU 102 executes document scanning in the above-describedmanner, and generates image data corresponding to the document on RAM106 and stores it in HDD 108.

At step 726, CPU 102 controls insert-sheet data generating unit 126 andgenerates image data of the insert-sheet. Specifically, at step 772 (seeFIG. 7), if a character or characters to be printed on the insert-sheetare designated, insert-sheet data generating unit 126 generates imagedata including the designated characters at designated position on RAM106 and stores it in HDD 108. If no character to be printed on theinsert-sheet is designated at step 772, insert-sheet data generatingunit 126 generates image data including a numeral indicating the numberof copies at a prescribed position. CPU 102 can determine the numeralindicating the number of copies from the setting related to theinsert-sheet inserting position (see FIG. 10). Therefore, CPU 102transfers the determined numeral to insert-sheet data generating unit126 and causes insert-sheet data generating unit 126 to generate theimage data to be printed on the insert-sheet. Specifically, from theinformation of position where the insert-sheet is inserted, CPU 102calculates the number of copies output before the insertion of theinsert-sheet, and determines a numeral indicating the number larger by 1than the number of copies, as the numeral to be printed on theinsert-sheet.

At step 728, CPU 102 starts image formation on the sheet of recordingpaper picked-up and conveyed from the designated paper feed tray, in themanner as described above.

At step 730, CPU 102 counts the number of recording paper discharged topaper discharge tray 91 or 96 while controlling image forming unit 122,and determines whether or not the number of copies has reached aprescribed number to be discharged before discharging the insert-sheet.If it is determined to have reached the prescribed number, the controlproceeds to step 734. Otherwise, the control proceeds to step 732.

The number of discharged sheets of recording paper can be detected by asensor arranged close to conveyer roller pair 12 b or 12 e. Since thenumber of sheets of scanned document and the print conditions (thenumber of document pages of which images are to be formed on one side ofpaper and the number of sides to be printed on a sheet) are known to CPU102, taking into account these conditions, CPU 102 can calculate thenumber of discharged copies, based on the number of sheets of dischargedrecording paper.

At step 732, CPU 102 executes image formation on a sheet of recordingpaper.

At step 734, CPU 102 executes image formation on the insert-sheet.Specifically, an insert-sheet is picked-up and conveyed from thedesignated tray, and an image is formed on the insert-sheet based on theimage data generated at step 726. If the character or characters to beprinted on the insert-sheet have been designated at step 772, the imagedata used here is the image data including the designated characters. Ifno character to be printed has been designated at step 772, the imagedata is the data including the numeral indicating the number of copies.In any case, CPU 102 can determine the image data to be used forprinting on the insert-sheet, from the number of already dischargedcopies.

At step 736, CPU 102 determines whether or not printing of thedesignated number of copies is completed. If it is determined to becompleted, the control proceeds to step 714. Otherwise, the controlreturns to step 730.

Through the above-described process, the designated number of copieswith the insert-sheets inserted in accordance with the conditions forthe insert-sheets set at step 712 are discharged to paper discharge tray91 or 96. By way of example, if the position for inserting theinsert-sheet is set as shown in FIG. 10 and the character to be printedon the insert-sheet is not set at step 772, the resulting copies are asshown in FIG. 11. If the position for inserting the insert-sheet is setas shown in FIG. 10 and the characters to be printed on the insert-sheetas shown in FIG. 21 are set at step 772, the resulting copies are asshown in FIG. 22. Therefore, when a plurality of copies of a documentare formed, it is possible for the user to easily sort the resultedprints. Specifically, since insert-sheets are inserted at positionsdesignated on the copy-by-copy basis and each insert-sheet has thenumber of copies or the designated characters printed thereon, it isunnecessary for the user to count the number of copies, and the user hasonly to separate the printed sheets before or after each insert-sheet.

When the insert-sheet is discharged to paper discharge tray 91 or 96,the insert-sheet may be offset. By way of example, only the insert-sheetmay be offset as shown in FIG. 23, or the insert-sheet and the followingsheets of recording paper before the next insert-sheet may be offset asshown in FIG. 24.

Though an example in which image forming apparatus 100 is used in thecopy mode has been described above, it is not limiting. By way ofexample, if the image forming apparatus 100 is used in the printer mode,that is, when image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job from anexternal terminal (computer or the like) through a network and executesprinting, the insert-sheet or sheets can be inserted in the similarmanner. In that case, when the user designates a file to be printed onthe terminal, screen images allowing setting of conditions related tothe insert-sheet (for example, FIGS. 8, 10, 13, 15, 16, 18 and 21) maybe displayed on a display device of the terminal.

Specifically, a CPU of the terminal displays the screen image allowingsetting of insert-sheets on the display device of the terminal, andreceives an operation of a mouse or a keyboard provided for theterminal, by the user. The CPU of the terminal sets the conditionsrelated to the insert-sheet in the similar manner as at step 712 (seeFIG. 5) described above through the user operation, and generates aprint job including the conditions. The CPU of the terminal transmitsthe generated print job to image forming apparatus 100 through network190. In accordance with the received print job, image forming apparatus100 executes steps 726 to 736 of FIG. 5. Thus, results of printingsimilar to those of FIG. 11 or 22 can be obtained. When the CPU of theterminal generates a print job including the character information to beprinted on the insert-sheet and transmits it to the image formingapparatus 100, image forming apparatus 100 executes the process of step726 (generation of image data to be printed on the insert-sheet). If theCPU of the terminal generates image data to be printed on theinsert-sheet and transmits a print job including the image data to imageforming apparatus 100, it is unnecessary for image forming apparatus 100to execute the process at step 726.

The conditions related to the insert-sheet have only to include theinformation at least of the position to insert the insert-sheet, thetray containing the insert-sheet, and the size of the insert-sheet.Information related to the type of the insert-sheet and the informationrelated to the character or characters to be printed on the insert-sheetare optional.

Further, as the conditions related to the character or characters to beprinted on the insert-sheet, conditions other than those described abovemay be set. For example, it may be possible to allow setting of thefont, size, color or the like of characters.

Further, the screen images allowing setting of the insert-sheet are notlimited to FIGS. 8, 10, 13, 15, 16, 18 and 21. One screen image thatallows setting of a plurality of conditions related to the insert-sheetmay be possible. By way of example, a screen image 410 shown in FIG. 25may be used, in which a pull-down menu 412 is used as a user-interface,allowing setting of conditions related to the insert-sheet by selectingfrom pre-set options.

When insert-sheets are to be inserted at any of the positions before thefull sets of prints of a job for printing a plurality of copies, afterthe full sets of prints of a job for printing a plurality of copies,before every prescribed number of copies and after every prescribednumber of copies, the conditions related to the insert-sheet canefficiently be set by a screen image 450 shown in FIG. 26. On screenimage 450, if a check box 452 on the left side of each of “insert beforeevery prescribed number of copies,” “insert after every prescribednumber of copies,” “insert before job” and “insert after job” istouched, a check mark is displayed, and corresponding setting becomesvalid. When the insert-sheet is to be inserted at every prescribednumber of copies, the number of copies between each insert-sheet and thenext insert-sheet can be entered using an up-down key 456, in the rangeof 1 to 9999. The entered value is indicated in copy number indicationbox 458.

The paper feed key 454 is a key for setting the paper feed tray forfeeding the insert-sheet to be inserted to each position. When paperfeed tray key 454 is touched, a screen image (for example, FIG. 13)allowing selection from paper feed trays 81 to 85 available in imageforming apparatus 100 is displayed. On screen image 450, the selectedpaper feed tray is displayed on the left side of paper feed tray key454. According to the setting, in FIG. 26, the insert-sheet to beinserted after a job is fed from tray 1 (paper feed tray 81), and otherinsert-sheets are fed from the manual feed tray (paper feed tray 85).

The process when OK key 312 or CANCEL key 314 is touched is the same asdescribed above. Screen image 450 is an example of a screen imagedisplayed as a sub-screen image displayed on a part of touch-paneldisplay 132, and when “x” key 460 at the upper right corner is touched,the screen image 450 is closed. When “x” key 460 is touched and screenimage 450 is closed, the set contents may be saved or discarded, or aconfirmation screen asking whether the contents are to be saved or notmay be displayed.

By operating screen image 450, the user can carry out the process forsetting the insertion position of step 756 and the process for settingthe tray at step 760 shown in FIG. 7. By way of example, assume that 4copies of a document of 2 pages are to be provided, and theinsert-sheets are set to be inserted before and after the job. Then,insert-sheets 500 and 502 are inserted before and after the full sets ofprints, as shown in FIG. 27. In the example of FIG. 27, charactersspecifying the job (for example, job name) are printed on insert-sheets500 and 502.

Assume that 4 copies of a document of 2 pages are to be provided and theinsert-sheets are set to be inserted before every two sets of copies.Then, insert-sheets 504 and 506 are inserted as shown in FIG. 28. If theinsert-sheets are set to be inserted after every two sets of copies,inserts sheets 508 and 510 are inserted as shown in FIG. 29. In FIGS. 28and 29, as described above, numerals indicating what number of set ofcopies follow each insert-sheet is printed on inert-sheets 504 to 510.Therefore, it is possible for the user to easily know the number ofcopies output before the insert-sheet. Further, with the settings asshown in FIG. 26, a sum of six insert-sheets 500 to 510 are inserted asshown in FIG. 30.

By the above-described setting to insert insert-sheets before and afterthe entire job, it becomes possible to easily distinguish prints of eachjob when print jobs received substantially simultaneously from differentterminals are executed and prints are continuously discharged to thesame paper discharge tray. When insert-sheets are to be inserted asshown in FIG. 27 to 30, setting of characters to be printed on theinsert-sheets may also be allowed using a screen image such as shown inFIG. 21.

It is preferable to pre-set the contents of settings related to theinsertion of insert-sheets as default settings in image formingapparatus 100. For instance, if an administrator sets conditions relatedto the insertion of insert-sheets using screen image 450 and registersthe set contents as default settings in image forming apparatus 100,each user can obtain prints with the insert-sheet or sheets inserted,simply by activating the insert-sheet inserting function (for example,simply by touching a key activating insertion of insert-sheets), withoutany operation on screen image 450.

Further, the information for designating the position to insert theinsert-sheet may be any information that enables calculation of thenumber of copies (including “0”) discharged before the firstinsert-sheet is discharged and the number of copies discharged betweenconsecutively discharged two insert-sheets. These numbers of copies maybe directly designated.

If the image forming apparatus is capable of executing post-processingsuch as punching and stapling on the sheets of recording paper on whichimages are formed, it is preferred not to execute such a process on theinsert-sheet, even if the post-processing is designated.

The embodiments as have been described here are mere examples and shouldnot be interpreted as restrictive. The scope of the present invention isdetermined by each of the claims with appropriate consideration of thewritten description of the embodiments and embraces modifications withinthe meaning of, and equivalent to, the languages in the claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, whena plurality of sheets of recording paper having images formed thereonare discharged, it is possible to insert an insert-sheet indicatingseparation, at an arbitrary position designated on the copy-by-copybasis of the prints.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE SIGNS

-   -   100 image forming apparatus    -   102 CPU    -   104 ROM    -   106 RAM    -   108 HDD    -   110 NIC    -   112 bus    -   120 document reading unit    -   122 image forming unit    -   124 image processing unit    -   126 insert-sheet data generating unit    -   128 recording paper conveying unit    -   130 operation unit    -   190 network

1. An image forming apparatus allowing insertion of an insert-sheetindicating separation between a plurality of sheets of recording papereach having an image formed on its surface and then discharged,comprising: an image forming device forming an image on the recordingpaper; an input device designating an insertion position to insert saidinsert-sheet; a discharge device discharging said recording paper havingthe image formed thereon and said insert-sheet; and a control devicecontrolling said discharge device; wherein said insertion position isdesignated on a copy-by-copy basis, each copy being a set of sheets ofrecording paper on which all images included in a job instructing imageformation on the recording paper are formed; said control device causessaid discharge device to discharge the sheets of recording paper havingthe images formed thereon by the number of copies determined from saidinsertion position, and thereafter to discharge said insert-sheetshifted in a prescribed direction; and said input device includes adisplay displaying pieces of information each indicating each of thenumber of sets on which image formation is instructed, in a mannerdistinguishable from each other and in the order of discharge of saidsets, and an insertion designating device designating said insertionposition by designating whether or not said insert-sheet is to beinserted between said pieces of information indicating consecutivelydischarged two said sets.
 2. The image forming apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein said image forming device forms an image on thatportion of a periphery of said insert-sheet which does not overlap withthe discharged recording paper when said insert-sheet is shifted in saidprescribed direction and discharged by said discharge device.
 3. Theimage forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: acharacter input device allowing input of a character; wherein said imageformed on said portion of said insert-sheet includes an image of acharacter input by said character input device.
 4. The image formingapparatus according to claim 3, wherein said input device includes adesignating device designating any of positions before and after allsheets of recording paper having images of said job formed thereon anddischarged, and before and after every prescribed number of copies ofsheets of recording paper having images of said job formed thereon anddischarged, as said insertion position; and in response to at least oneof the positions before and after all sheets of recording paper havingimages of said job formed thereon and discharged being designated bysaid input device as said insertion position, said image forming deviceforms said image of said character on the insert-sheet to be inserted tothe designated insertion position.
 5. The image forming apparatusaccording to claim 4, further comprising: a calculating devicecalculating the number of said sets that have been discharged until saidinsert-sheet is discharged; wherein in response to at least one of thepositions before and after every prescribed number of copies of sheetsof recording paper having images of said job formed thereon anddischarged being designated by said input device as said insertionposition, said image forming device forms an image of a numeralindicating a value larger by 1 than the number of said sets calculatedby said calculating device on the insert-sheet to be inserted to thedesignated insertion position.
 6. The image forming apparatus accordingto claim 2, further comprising: a calculating device calculating thenumber of said sets that have been discharged until said insert-sheet isdischarged; wherein said image formed on said portion of saidinsert-sheet is an image of a numeral indicating a value larger by 1than the number of said sets calculated by said calculating device. 7.The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: aninsert-sheet designating device designating a paper feed tray from whichsaid insert-sheet is fed; wherein said control device causes saiddischarge device to pick up and discharge said insert-sheet from saidpaper feed tray designated by said insert-sheet designating device. 8.The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: asize designating device designating a size of said insert-sheet; whereinsaid control device includes a determining device determining whether aninsert-sheet of the size designated by said size designating device canbe discharged to a discharge destination to which said recording paperhaving the image formed thereon is discharged; and in response to adetermination by said determining device that said insert-sheet cannotbe discharged to said discharge destination to which said recordingpaper having the image formed thereon is discharged, said control devicecontrols said discharge device such that a sheet of recording paper ispicked up from a tray containing said recording paper on which the imageis to be formed and discharged in place of said insert-sheet.
 9. Theimage forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said input deviceincludes a designating device designating any of positions before andafter all sheets of recording paper having images of said job formedthereon and discharged, and before and after every prescribed number ofcopies of sheets of recording paper having images of said job formedthereon and discharged, as said insertion position.
 10. A method ofcontrolling an image forming apparatus allowing insertion of aninsert-sheet indicating separation between a plurality of sheets ofrecording paper each having an image formed on its surface and thendischarged, comprising the steps of: an image forming step of forming animage on the recording paper; an input step of designating an insertionposition to insert said insert-sheet; and a discharge step ofdischarging said recording paper having the image formed thereon andsaid insert-sheet; wherein said insertion position is designated on acopy-by-copy basis, each copy being a set of sheets of recording paperon which all images included in a job instructing image formation on therecording paper are formed; said discharge step includes a step ofdischarging the sheets of recording paper having the images formedthereon by the number of copies determined from said insertion position,and thereafter discharging said insert-sheet shifted in a prescribeddirection; and said input step includes a display step of displayingpieces of information each indicating each of the number of said sets onwhich image formation is instructed, in a manner distinguishable fromeach other and in the order of discharge of said sets, and an insertiondesignating step of designating said insertion position by designatingwhether or not said insert-sheet is to be inserted between said piecesof information indicating consecutively discharged two said sets.